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Personal ramblings
You know what I most love about IPK? The fact that it always provides much food for thought; As entertaining at it is, it always encompasses a great deal more - snapshots of human nature, social attitudes, secularism, religiosity, traditionalism, moral codes - the fact that it delivers on all fronts never ceases to amaze me! Whilst I leave the heavier analytical processes to more capable hands - the glowing gems of redux ❤️, I always make an effort to offer some of my own personal insights, simply because it gives me much pleasure! So here's thanking those of you who patiently bear with my own incoherence.
Post kidnapping track, IPK has been dishing out epic episode after epic episode, so much so, that I believe we are consistently back to its former glory! And today was no different. I absolutely heart where they're taking this story, but more than that, I absolutely heart the way in which they're developing the central characters, weaving them around the plot in a way which portrays them all to be victims of their own circumstances. Nobody is painted as the perfect being, rather, they all embody the notion that it is indeed human to err.
Social Injustice
A drama is what it is; a drama, a work of fiction. Never have I thought it to be an accurate representation of society. What I do believe it offers however, is certain truths in the way in which society dominates, a slice of reality if you will. And this is how I view the residents of RM, individuals who represent certain truths of society, reflected in their thoughts, their attitudes and their actions. However grossly distorted this representation may be; I do believe that their characterisation is based on certain social realities, which forces us to reflect on our own condition.
Needless to say, when certain individuals become powerless against their own people, they tend to want to exert authority over those who will prove equally powerless, thereby upholding their own sense of power. This is how I saw dadi today; she waited to make her move having witnessed first hand, Arnav's bold defiance of not only her authority, but also his disregard for marital customs. She saw the sham of the pheres and how he silently declared his own opposition against her rooted traditions. Being true to her Malik traits, rather than backing down, she chose to target those who would have no option but to bow down to her self acclaimed sense of superiority; Khushi and her family. By playing on their weaknesses, in true Machiavellian style, she chose to lay the blame on Khushi and her upbringing. The domino affect of playing such a ruse is that the blame is automatically lifted from her family, leaving others to face the humiliation and disgrace.
I loved this scene, purely for the reason that it was dominated by women. And it was a scene which highlighted the fact that sometimes, it is women who are most discriminating against their own kind. Unfortunately, even today, fingers were pointed at Khushi, in the absence of her husband, her soul protector. Today she was forced to answer questions that were hurtled in her direction, just like she did on the day of their wedding. And my heart wept for her, seeing her helplessness; she was made the scapegoat again, by the very family who pride themselves on righteous traditions.
All three, nani, Anjali and Dadi, chose to question Khushi's impromptu wedding, lead by their own emotional judgement, overlooking the fact that Khushi did not partake in this wedding alone! The fact that they proceeded to question her, without the others presence, clearly indicates a failing of society, whereby the oppressed are accused of being the oppressors.
Dadi was clever here, we didn't hear what the others were told, but her stance was clear. It is Khushi who chose to remain with Arnav, who chose to live with him despite not fulfilling her marital rites, it is she who failed to uphold the values given to her by her parents, and it is she who dishonoured her family and her upbringing. What a cruel judgement made by a section of society, the very society which Khushi had to battle against her whole life. And it is this which leads to her growing resilience.
As unfair as it may seem there's no denying that society continues to treat men and women differently. Khushi was questioned first and foremost as being a woman, not as someone who is equal to Arnav. Her disregard for social values and traditions paints her as an amoral woman, one who is seen as a disgrace. And it is with this in mind, that Khushi understands the importance of giving her relationship a name, and to follow the norms of society.
This is something which Arnav has yet to learn and understand, especially if he is looking to maintain this relationship. And I believe he will, slowly, but surely.
Khushi's guardian, soul mate and husband
How much did I love this scene! I knew the CVs wouldn't disappoint! Yes, it's the clichd, "oh no you just didn't raise your hand at my wife" scenario. But again, this is where IPK proves to stand out from the rest. A scene which would have been clichd had it not held the depth and significance that it did.
The scene reminded me of the time when Khushi was slapped by Garima, at that time, Arnav had objected to the slap through mere expressions, but didn't move to stop it, nor did he voice out against it. Back then, he was torn between feelings of anger and resentment, which forced him to take a back seat. However, today, it was his love for her which gave him the right, to not only stand up for her, but to protect her and honour her. He physically and verbally denied the right for Buaji to ever raise her hand at Khushi again. Though from her perspective, her reaction to this news was most justified, Arnav made it clear that the circumstances under which they got married, nobody knows better than himself. A brilliant way of diffusing the situation without letting it spiral more out of control!
What I most loved about this scene was the way in which he confidently proclaimed himself as her protector.
Apni patni ko haath lagane ko meine kisi ko ijazat nahi di, thappar marne ko bohat door ki baat hein
By denying Bujai this right, he's taken over their responsibility of being her guardian. For him, his role isn't just that of a husband, but that of a confidant, a carer, an equal.
Clash of ideologies
This scene was brilliantly executed. A clash of ideologies was clearly evident when all members of RM society had chosen their sides, forcing Arnav into the centre. He was literally cornered.
I love how there was a brief moment where he looked at naani, as if unsure of her stance, and then realising with slight shock and disbelief that she has indeed sided herself with dadi. Nani, who's always been his backbone in family affairs, has also declined her support! For her, societal reeti riwaaj rules. Superb acting Sobti!
A man who always deemed himself to be right, and who deemed himself above others, that man today was outnumbered, and was left to succumb to the view that he's wrong and the rest of society is right. His marriage to Khushi will only be accepted if he completes the rituals laid down by society.
Samaaj aap ka ho ya humara, jiss ladki ne phere na liye ho isse patni nahi mana ja sakta...
For dadi it is clear, doesn't matter what he thinks, but if the rest of society doesn't follow, then it is all meaningless. Social norms, values and traditions are no doubt important, but what's interesting here is Arnav's conviction in labelling Khushi as his wife, irrespective of what society thinks. He's personal belief in what makes her his wife is what's most important...personally, I think both views, though distinctly contrasting, has it's place in society, it's not about right or wrong, but rather your own faith in the relationship.
Arnav's view is crystal, marriage is not a mere institution governed by society, it is a bond which unites the soul, sets it free, and more importantly, heal the hearts in which faith can once more be restored. Arnav's vision of love places him on equal footing to Khushi, whereas society maintains otherwise, in some cases. So you tell me, which love should be more socially accepted?
Ladke toh kuch bhi keh sakte hein...
Again, man is freed from guilt and sin, and it is the woman who is once again tainted according to social conventions upheld by dadi. Men are free to think whatever, but in this case, it is Khushi who has erred - it is at this point, Arnav agrees to marriage; not in defeat of his own values, but rather in honour of Khushi's.
Not once does he back down from his values, because he asserts with utmost confidence that he's willing to RE-MARRY his WIFE - for him, the sanctity of marriage remains as it always has done, binding them as husband and wife which nobody can break, not even society. And he knows that Khushi too accepts it as such, were it not for societal pressures. Their faith in their love and in each other is all that matters. Love how torn Sobti looked when he was told that Khushi would have to leave his side during the undertaking of these rasms, but the man remain calm and begrudgingly accepts the pressures that come with it! Atta boy Arnie!
Absolutely ❤️ how all the faces lit up during this moment, bar one of course! Surprised, genuinely happy and eager over his decision to re-marry. Khushi's smile spoke volumes, her happiness had always been with Arnav, but her wanting to abide by societal conventions was purely for the happiness of others. Finally, she's able to fulfil her dreams. *ahem* EPIC FAIL DADI!
Hum bhi aapse "I love you dammit..."
Now. This. Is. What. I'm. Talking. About! Words can't express how much I loved her returning this line!
For me, Khushi's stance has always been with the rest of society, not because she doesn't have one of her own, but because she's grown up wanting to please everyone else first, placing herself last. That's the nature of her love. Both noble and innocent - but with this one line, she chose to put herself first. For me, this wasn't just a declaration of her love, but more so a firm acceptance of his...
Last night, she asked him: reet riwaj ka koi matlab nahin...toh aap hi bataye, kis cheez ka matlab hein?
His response: That I love you, damn it!
Now I understand the meaning behind her smile, for her vision of love is the same as his, the fact that nothing else matters, except that she loves him too, damn it!
Upon hearing those words, his face lit up into the most beautiful smile I've seen from Arnie. His most genuine smile to date, warm and graciously accepting upon hearing that she too loves him in the same way he loves her. She accepts his values for what they are, and his faith in their love is what provides her with that much needed assurance and security. Her one line proves that she understands and accepts his love for what it is - a love which is unpretentious, sacred and forever binding.
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It's late, and I'm tired, but I just couldn't end it without saying:
WELCOME BACK PRINCE! HOW WE'VE MISSED YOU AND YOUR EVIL PRESENCE! 😈
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Just because...
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-mkWXdGWjs&list=UUXhbQnc-k7ehc1uIPF67ouA&index=225&feature=plpp_video[/YOUTUBE]
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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